The 1930s was such a different time. It’s hard to imagine what life was like back then, but photography is one key way we can get a glimpse into the past. Like many other states, Ohio was still struggling to overcome the Great Depression during this time. The following photos showcase typical homes throughout the state during the 1930s.

  1. Greenhills, Ohio homes

John Vachon/yale.edu Taken October 1938.

  1. Marguard house in Greenhills, Ohio

Theodor Jung/yale.edu “Door of 100-year-old Marguard house at Greenhills project, Ohio.” Taken March 1936.

  1. “Typical square brick house” in Hamilton County

Carl Mydans/yale.edu Taken December 1935.

  1. House in Cincinnati, Ohio

Carl Mydans/yale.edu “House in Cincinnati showing its conversion into businnesses and blight.” Taken December 1935.

  1. Carlisle, Ohio home

Ben Shahn/yale.edu “Interior of house at farmland auction, New Carlisle, Ohio.” Taken in 1938.

Ben Shahn/yale.edu “Clothes hanging in house at farmland auction, New Carlisle, Ohio.” Taken in 1938.

  1. House in Marysville, Ohio

Ben Shahn/yale.edu “Home converted to lodging house Marysville, Ohio.” Taken in 1938.

  1. Home in Jackson, Ohio

Theodor Jung/yale.edu “Interior of rehabilitation client’s house, Jackson, Ohio.” Taken April 1936.

  1. Home in Scioto, Ohio

Arthur Rostein/yale.edu “Farm family on steps of house, Scioto Farms, Ohio.” Taken May 1938.

  1. House in Cincinnati, Ohio

Carl Mydans/yale.edu “House at 1400 Block, Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

  1. Home in Mariemont, Ohio

Carl Mydans/yale.edu “Model house, Mariemont, Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

  1. House along the Ohio River

Carl Mydans/yale.edu “Typical frame house on hilly shore of Ohio River, Hamilton, Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

  1. Home in Hamilton County

Carl Mydans/yale.edu “Bedroom in Van Horn Street house, Hamilton Co., Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

Carl Mydans/yale.edu “Kitchen in Van Horn Street house, Cincinnati, Ohio” Taken December 1935.

  1. Brick house in Hamilton County

Carl Mydans/yale.edu “Characteristic old brick house, Hamilton County, Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

  1. Board house in Greenhills, Ohio

Russell Lee/yale.edu “Asbestos board house. Greenhills, Ohio.” Taken February 1937.

  1. Homes in Greenhills, Ohio

John Vachon/yale.edu “Brick veneer houses. Greenhills, Ohio.” Taken January 1938.

Do you have any old photographs of Ohio homes in the 1930s? Do you or any of your family members remember what home life was like back then? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments below!

John Vachon/yale.edu

Taken October 1938.

Theodor Jung/yale.edu

“Door of 100-year-old Marguard house at Greenhills project, Ohio.” Taken March 1936.

Carl Mydans/yale.edu

Taken December 1935.

“House in Cincinnati showing its conversion into businnesses and blight.” Taken December 1935.

Ben Shahn/yale.edu

“Interior of house at farmland auction, New Carlisle, Ohio.” Taken in 1938.

“Clothes hanging in house at farmland auction, New Carlisle, Ohio.” Taken in 1938.

“Home converted to lodging house Marysville, Ohio.” Taken in 1938.

“Interior of rehabilitation client’s house, Jackson, Ohio.” Taken April 1936.

Arthur Rostein/yale.edu

“Farm family on steps of house, Scioto Farms, Ohio.” Taken May 1938.

“House at 1400 Block, Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

“Model house, Mariemont, Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

Carl Mydans/yale.edu

“Typical frame house on hilly shore of Ohio River, Hamilton, Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

“Bedroom in Van Horn Street house, Hamilton Co., Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

“Kitchen in Van Horn Street house, Cincinnati, Ohio” Taken December 1935.

“Characteristic old brick house, Hamilton County, Ohio.” Taken December 1935.

Russell Lee/yale.edu

“Asbestos board house. Greenhills, Ohio.” Taken February 1937.

“Brick veneer houses. Greenhills, Ohio.” Taken January 1938.

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